1. Back To School Night Mr. O’Brien’s Class 2013-2014 Welcome! While you are waiting for the presentation to begin: Make sure you sign in by the door You may take this moment to inspect your child’s textbooks and complete the two forms.

2. Personal Background Undergraduate Degree Graduate Degree Classroom Experience Personal items

3. Standards of Learning Virginia Standards of Learning are the framework for our curriculum. I do teach students the required information, and consequently they usually do well on the tests in the Spring. Fifth Grade SOL tests include: Reading, Math, Science, and Writing

4. Reading Comprehension is the goal! Focus on strategies and understanding how we read. From Learning to Read => Reading to Learn Good Readers can access and learn anything they want. Electronic readers are acceptable. Reading should be fun! (See 7 Keys to Comprehension in handout.)

5. Writing Students take a writing SOL in early March It is two day test (one day multiple choice/one day writing to a prompt) We do A LOT of writing, including practice prompts and free writing Writing Workshop will be a focus this year.

6. Math Students are pre-tested each chapter/unit Students are grouped based on strengths and weaknesses of individual skills. Math Text is Available Online More on the Middle School math selection process in the spring.

7. Science We will focus on the scientific method We will use the scientific method to explore all of the content we need to cover Topics include:  Geology  Oceanography  Living Systems  Matter  Light  Sound The SOL test covers 4 th and 5 th grade material  We review all of 4 th grade material in preparation.

8. Social Studies Our curriculum has county standards, but no state standards We learn about the regions of the US Students learn what makes the different areas of our county unique Students will learn all to identify all 50 states on a map, and memorize the name of each state’s capital.

9. Middle School Preparation We will be building skills they need to succeed next year:  Independence  Self Advocacy  Organization Middle School Course Selection  Will take place in the spring.  You will be provided with plenty of information

10. Grading Not all assignments are graded Assignments may be marked with a number and/or a letter grade Scores:  1 – Below the Standard  2 – Progressing towards the Standard  3 – Meeting the Standard  4 – Exceeding the Standard Scores are based on this criteria, not on the number correct out of a total number. Missing assignments severely affect student grades

11. CLARITY Parent Portal Still up and running For more information go to the CLARITY tab on the Horizon website

12. Homework Reading  Read a total of 100 minutes/week  Track Reading  See Parent Dos and Don’ts in handout Word Study  Consistent week to week Math  Will be assigned most nights – may be different depending on each group’s progress. Long Term Projects – no due dates Other small assignments as needed Please sign the planner every night

13. Classroom Management Focus on Positive Reinforcement Safety is the number on priority Focus on Positive Interactions between students Focus on natural/appropriate consequences Anti-Bully PBIS – Courageous Comets Compliments Blue Tickets Lunch Room Flowers

14. Daily Routines Beginning of the day Morning Work Working Snack Tests usually in the morning Recess is moveable

15. Additionals FUTURA Conferences Drop off – out front vs. Kiss and go Red folders DARE/FLE All About Me Attendance

16. Nice to Haves Flashdrive Personal headphones Sweater/sweatshirt Antibacterial wipes/liquid

17. Contacting Mr. O’Brien Email is the best  stephen.obrien@lcps.org  Please review the email guidelines in your handout Check my website  Will try to update regularly  Monthly projects and rubrics posted Call the school  Will call back during planning time or after school  May take until the next morning to return calls. Remember that for success we have to work together this year!

18. Volunteering I can use volunteers for a variety of activities  All Subject Areas  Organizing Celebrations  Help with PTA activities There will be other activities that I may need help with. I will send out an email when those times come up.

19. Questions

20. Thank you for taking the time to attend Back To School Night